"I prepared myself for the worst, for the end of my career" - Mensur Suljovic nearly quit darts after passing of brother

In episode one of a YouTube series, Elmar Paulke paid a visit to Austrian Mensur Suljovic, who is celebrating his World Championship comeback after a one-year absence.

Paulke opened the conversation between the two long-time friends with a bitter World Championship truth from the Austrian: "The Ally Pally was never really your friend, was it?" asked the 54-year-old. Suljovic, who never made it past the round of 16 at the PDC World Championship, explained his difficult relationship with the cult venue.

"I have bad memories of the Ally Pally because I was always under pressure. I was always number one in Austria and people expected a lot. It's also the media's fault, who put a lot of pressure on me without realizing that every round at the World Championship is incredibly difficult," explained Suljovic.

The return to the biggest tournament of the year should mark a new start for Suljovic. "I've had really personal problems in the last few years. My brother was seriously ill and I took care of him - I was always with him. That was a very, very difficult time for me," says Suljovic, who explains that he got into darts through his brother.

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"Unfortunately, he passed away last year at the age of 55. Thank God we spent a lot of time together in the last few years. We did everything we could, but unfortunately it didn't help. But as stupid as it sounds, I have to say that I'm more liberated now. Now I have time for myself, now I can concentrate on darts."

The Gentle makes it clear that his personal problems have also affected his performance on the board: "Standing at the board and throwing is no good if you don't have your head clear. I was already thinking about quitting, I prepared myself for the worst. But then I realized that it's still possible as long as you have some discipline and practice. Unfortunately, I'm not the youngest anymore."

After years of emotional setbacks, Suljovic wants to attack on the dartboard again

Nevertheless, the 52-year-old Austrian is looking ahead and will return to London in December full of confidence. "I feel ready for the top 40 again. I practise a lot and play very well in practice, even if I can't do it in the match yet because I'm still nervous after 30 years in darts. But I need this confidence, without practice I don't even dare to go to a tournament." Suljovic, who also had to struggle with health problems due to the after-effects of a vaccination, also feels physically ready for another attack on the PDC Pro Tour: "I'm really feeling much, much better. It's not all gone, but I'm fine."

Despite his mixed World Championship record, Suljovic is looking forward to the tournament at the Ally Pally: "I'm happy to be at the World Championship, it really is a huge success for me this year. Especially at the beginning of the year it was very, very difficult, I was at the bottom. But in the last 4-5 months I've been playing good darts again." When Paulke asks the veteran whether this year's World Championship could be his last appearance at the Ally Pally, Suljovic replies with a clear answer: "No, never. I'll play the World Championship at least three more times - guaranteed!"

The former number five in the world rankings will start the World Darts Championship in the evening session on December 19. Suljovic will play Canadian Matt Campbell in the first round. "I would have liked a slightly easier task," Suljovic laughs. "But to be honest, there are no easy opponents any more. So it could have been worse for me. Ultimately, the World Championship will be a success for me if I make it through to the last 32. But first and foremost, I'm going to enjoy the tournament this year."